Welcome to British Columbia! We know that moving to a new place comes with a lot of questions. This page is your starting point for the essential first steps. Here, you’ll find a checklist for important tasks and, most importantly, links to free, friendly organizations right here in your community that are dedicated to helping you succeed.
Your Essential Checklist
While settlement organizations can help with everything, here are some of the key tasks you'll need to think about soon after you arrive.
Immigration and Status:
If you need to renew a passport, apply for permanent residency, or have other questions about your immigration status, the official Government of Canada website is your most important resource.
Resource: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Taxes:
As a new resident, you will need to understand the Canadian tax system. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has guides specifically for newcomers.
Resource: Newcomers to Canada (Taxes) - CRA
Connect with Free Newcomer Support
You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. The following government-funded organizations offer free, confidential support to help you settle into your new community. Their services often include language support, help finding a job, community connections, and assistance with forms and applications.
PICS – Progressive Intercultural Community Services Based in Surrey, PICS provides a huge range of programs for newcomers, including settlement support, employment services, housing assistance, and language training.
Key Services: Employment Programs, Settlement Support, Language Services, Seniors Housing.
Website:
https://pics.bc.ca/
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society A non-profit organization in Surrey helping newcomers build a life in Canada. They offer support in over 50 languages.
Key Services: Settlement & Integration, Career Coaching, Language Training, Clinical Counselling.
Website:
https://www.dcrs.ca/
MOSAIC One of the largest settlement organizations in Canada, MOSAIC provides services to immigrants and refugees in multiple locations across Metro Vancouver.
Key Services: Settlement, Employment, Language, Family & Youth Programs.
Website:
https://mosaicbc.org/
ISSofBC – Immigrant Services Society of BC ISSofBC offers a variety of services including the government-funded BC Newcomer Services Program (NSP), which provides free orientation and support.
Key Services: Newcomer Services, Language & Career College, Job Search Support.
Website:
https://issbc.org/
Options Community Services A large, Surrey-based non-profit offering social services to help build healthy communities, including targeted support for new Canadians.
Key Services: Settlement & Integration Program (SIP), Family Services, Employment Support.
Website:
https://www.options.bc.ca/
Surrey Libraries – Settlement Services Your local library is a fantastic resource. In partnership with settlement organizations, they offer free information, referrals, and group workshops.
Key Services: Information & Orientation, Community Connections, Document Help.
Website:
https://www.surreylibraries.ca/free-settlement-services